Livestock judging team in front of banners

Livestock Judging team highlights

Four members of the 2025 Purdue Livestock Judging Team call the department of agricultural economics home! The team evaluates breeding and market classes of beef cattle, swine and sheep. After placing the animals, each student gives their “oral reasons” on their decisions and then receives a score on accuracy and persuasion. They compete across the United States from Denver, CO, to Houston, TX, to Jackson, MS, to Austin, MN, to Harrisburg, PA to Louisville, KY.

Livestock team at Cattlemens Congress

Jayden Simpson (Senior, Agricultural Economics; Roachdale, IN) shared, “Being a member of the livestock judging team has truly been one of the highlights of my time here at Purdue. Coming into the year, we were strangers who quickly turned into a family. Not only that, but traveling across the country to places I’ve dreamed of visiting has made this journey even more amazing. Being able to represent this university with these people is something I will never forget.”

Livestock judging team at Dixie National

Ray Duncan (Senior, Agribusiness; Wingate, IN) reflected, “Being a part of the judging team has been a vital part of my time at Purdue. It has given me the chance to make lifelong friendships while representing our university on a national stage. I would highly recommend joining the team! Mallory Bowers (Senior, Sales and Marketing; Lafayette, IN) added, “Judging at Purdue has not only developed me as a livestock evaluator, but as an individual. So far, it has been a very fun experience, and I am enjoying my time travelling with the team. I am thankful for the experience and encourage others to try it out!”

Livestock team at a national park

Caleb Lechlitner (Sophomore, Agribusiness; Nappanee, IN) added, “‘When you jump into something, give 110% effort all of the time, because you can only get out of something what you put into it.’ I find this quote relates very closely to livestock judging. It takes a unique skill set, but if you always give it your best, you will find yourself happy with what you have accomplished. Being a part of this team at Purdue has been an honor and a blast, with my teammates and coaches who make every trip enjoyable.”

Livestock team at national western show

Some highlights earned by these individuals include:

  • Mallory Bowers – High Individual Sheep & Goat at Keystone International Livestock Exposition – Harrisburg, PA
  • Ray Duncan, High Individual Overall, Swine & Reasons at Keystone International Livestock Exposition – Harrisburg, PA
  • Caleb Lechlitner – 2nd Overall, 1st Cattle, 2nd Sheep & Goats at The Darby – Calhoun, GA
  • Jayden Simpson – 7th Swine Evaluation at All East Livestock Show – West Lafayette, IN

Team achievements include:

  • 2nd Overall Team – Keystone International Livestock Exposition – Harrisburg, PA
  • 3rd Overall Team – Prof. Lidvall Memorial Livestock Judging Contest – Cookeville, TN
  • 3rd Placing Team & 7th Team Overall – National Barrow Show Judging Contest – Austin, MN
  • 5th High Team Swine – North American International Livestock Exposition – Louisville, KY
  • 8th Overall – National Meat Animal Evaluation – Lubbock, TX
  • 9th Overall Team – American Royal Livestock – Kansas City, MO